ANTIQUE – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has reported a sharp rise in dengue cases, with 1,188 cases recorded from January 1 to April this year — a staggering 463.03% increase compared to just 211 cases in the same perios last year.
The Municipality of Sebaste registered the highest number of cases at 178, with one confirmed death. It was followed by Culasi with 152 cases and one death, Tibiao with 136 cases, and Sibalom with 111. Meanwhile, Libertad recorded the fewest cases with only 12.
In response, the PHO emphasized the intensified implementation of the Department of Health’s (DOH) 4S strategy: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, self-protection measures, seek early consultation, and support indoor and outdoor spraying to prevent impending outbreak.
The provincial government is also urging residents to practice the “4 o’clock habit,” which encourages communities to dedicate time every 4 p.m. to eliminate potential mosquito breeding areas.
Health authorities remain hopeful that with continued community cooperation and preventive measures, dengue cases in the province will begin to decline./PN
